I used to think they lived in poverty, but I later discovered they owned several rental apartments in prime urban locations. Despite this income, they chose to live in an old apartment rather than move into a modern one, all to collect steady rental income. This lifestyle is a direct result of their unshakeable motto, "Great wealth is destined, but small wealth is achieved through frugality." Simple living has become their source of joy. A-Juan's father often says, "Wealth passes in the blink of an eye, but money stays."
This unassuming lifestyle had its unexpected benefits. According to A-Juan, while thieves had visited many units in their apartment building, her family remained untouched.
A-Juan's mother is an excellent cook, and I once had the pleasure of dining with them. For dessert, we had watermelon, with each person receiving a slice. As I was about to throw the leftover rinds into the trash, A-Juan's mother stopped me. It turns out they have a habit of boiling the white rinds to make a refreshing soup.
A-Juan recalls that back when apples were a luxury, her mother once bought one to celebrate a birthday. She cut it into eight tiny pieces so everyone could have a taste. Although the portion was minimal, they followed the principle of "it is not the scarcity, but the inequality that matters," ensuring every family member shared the experience.
They also had unique habits regarding water conservation. A-Juan mentioned that while they flush immediately after a bowel movement, they wait until urine reaches a certain "concentration" before flushing the toilet. Every morning, after her mother finishes her business, she calls the rest of the family to use the restroom, and they only flush once everyone is done to save on water bills. This level of water conservation is astonishing. As the saying goes, "Once immersed in a fish market, one becomes accustomed to the smell"; they had long ago become habituated to their environment.
The family treats frugality as a household motto and finds joy in it. There is never any wasted food or soup in their home, as they always drink every last drop of broth.
During walks, the family also engages in "treasure hunting." Any usable old appliances or furniture, even from junk piles, are treated as treasures and brought home. I once joked that environmental agencies should award them for their dedication to recycling.
I remember seeing A-Juan meticulously recording her daily expenses during lunch breaks at the factory: seven yuan for vegetables, five yuan for tea eggs, one yuan for a public phone call... In an era where many young people chase trends and spend recklessly, A-Juan's habits might seem alien to them.
Years have passed since I left that factory and lost contact with A-Juan, but her family remains unforgettable. Amidst the recent economic downturns and chilling financial climates, I suspect that such a resilient family will never be broken by the cold wave of economic hardship.
